Neiman Marcus to Develop Lower Priced Concept Store

What: Hang on to your wallets! We hear that Neiman Marcus is toying with a new idea for a discount retail store which will be part of the Last Call clearance division. Like many other high end chain stores that were wounded by the 2008 recession, Neiman’s is looking to lure back in those luxury shoppers who’s budgets aren’t so friendly anymore. They are already testing out the retail concept store in the University Park section of Dallas.

According to WWD: The new discount retail store presents brand-name fashion and accessories, including Michael Kors, Badgley Mischka and Diane von Furstenberg, in an environment that looks like a hybrid of a boutique and an outlet. The emphasis is on contemporary apparel, handbags and shoes, and most prices fall between $45 and $300.
The sign out front reads “Last Call,” but the store will be renamed with a new brand soon, said Ginger Reeder, a Neiman’s vice president and spokeswoman.

What We Say: Hmm..sounds interesting. With prices ranging from $45-$300 we are slightly intrigued. We’re not so sure about the name change. We get it though, image is everything. But, let’s be careful of this imagery. Plenty of big name discount stores mark up designer stuff to make you think you’re getting a big discount. We’ll wait and see.